PYONGYANG, North Korea (AP) — South Korean weightlifters are flying their national flag at the start of an international competition hosted by bitter rival North Korea.
The development at Thursday’s opening ceremonies of the Asian Cup and Interclub Weightlifting Championship in Pyongyang marks something of a milestone for two countries that were trading war threats this spring.
Seoul says it’s the first time its athletes have attended an international sports event in North Korea. Both countries consider themselves the only legitimate government on the Korean Peninsula.
South Korean athletes hope to hear their national anthem played should they win gold.
North Korea’s concession comes as animosity eases and the rivals pursue diplomacy.
The peninsula is still technically in a state of war because the 1950-53 Korean War ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty.
